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Hue to Da Nang by Train or Car: Which Is Better in 2025?
Traveling from Hue to Da Nang is more than just a transfer — it's a journey through some of the most scenic landscapes in Vietnam. Whether you're hopping on a coastal train or cruising by car through the Hai Van Pass, this route delivers unforgettable views and smooth access to central Vietnam’s top destinations.
But which option should you choose — train or car? In this guide, we break it down by comfort, time, price, and scenery.
✨ Want comfort and control? Friends Travel Vietnam offers safe, scenic, and customizable private car transfers from Hue to Da Nang.
Contents
- 1. Why Travel from Hue to Da Nang?
- 2. Hue to Da Nang: Distance, Route & Travel Time
- 3. Option 1: Hue to Da Nang by Train
- 4. Option 2: Hue to Da Nang by Private Car
- 5. Hai Van Pass: What Makes This Route Special
- 6. Bonus Option: Hue to Da Nang by Motorbike or Scooter
- 7. How to Book a Private Transfer with Friends Travel Vietnam
- 8. Travel Tips for This Route
- 9. FAQs About Hue–Da Nang Travel Options
- 10. Final Recommendation: Train vs. Car – What Should You Choose?
1. Why Travel from Hue to Da Nang?
Hue and Da Nang are two of central Vietnam’s most visited cities — each offering something different:
- Hue: Ancient capital, imperial citadel, pagodas, relaxed pace
- Da Nang: Coastal city with modern vibes, beaches, Ba Na Hills, airport access
Many travelers either:
- Start in Hue, then head south to Da Nang (for airport or beach stay)
- Or stop in Da Nang en route to Hoi An
This route is ideal for:
- Sightseeing (via Hai Van Pass)
- Flight connections at Da Nang International Airport
- Switching between cultural and coastal experiences
🚗 The ~100 km stretch between Hue and Da Nang takes only 2–3 hours, making it perfect for a day transfer with scenic stops.
2. Hue to Da Nang: Distance, Route & Travel Time
- 📍 Distance: ~100–110 km depending on route
- 🛣️ Main Routes:
→ Hai Van Pass (scenic coastal road)
→ Hai Van Tunnel (faster, less scenic) - ⏱️ Travel time:
→ Train: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
→ Private car: 2 to 2.5 hours
→ Motorbike: 3–4 hours (with stops)
📌 Travel tip: If you take a car, you can choose whether to go through the tunnel (faster) or over the pass (more scenic).
3. Option 1: Hue to Da Nang by Train
Taking the train from Hue to Da Nang is a classic choice — especially for travelers who enjoy slow travel and panoramic views.
🚆 What the Journey is Like:
- You’ll ride along Vietnam’s coastal railway, curving around the mountains and sea cliffs of Hai Van Pass
- Seats and sleeper berths available
- Great photo opportunities, especially in daylight
⏰ Train Schedule & Duration:
- Multiple trains per day (SE1, SE3, SE19, etc.)
- Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on stops
- Depart from Hue Railway Station to Da Nang Station
💰 Ticket Price:
- Soft seat: ~80,000–120,000 VND
- Sleeper: ~140,000–180,000 VND
- Book via: Vietnam Railways, 12go.asia, Baolau
✅ Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Beautiful views through Hai Van Pass
- Relaxed, social vibe
❌ Cons:
- Fixed schedule
- Station is not near most hotels
- Not ideal for travelers with lots of luggage or tight timelines
🎫 Looking for flexible timing and luggage help? Consider booking a private car with Friends Travel Vietnam instead.
4. Option 2: Hue to Da Nang by Private Car
A private transfer is the most comfortable and customizable way to travel from Hue to Da Nang — especially if you want to make stops along the way or travel at your own pace.
🚘 What to Expect:
- Door-to-door pickup at your hotel
- English-speaking driver available
- Option to stop at:
→ Hai Van Pass scenic lookout
→ Lang Co Bay
→ Marble Mountains
→ Local cafes or photo spots
💰 Price Range:
- 1–2 passengers (Sedan): ~1,200,000 – 1,400,000 VND
- 3–5 passengers (SUV): ~1,500,000 – 1,800,000 VND
- 6–10 passengers (Minivan): available upon request
✅ Pros:
- Total flexibility
- Photo and rest stops
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Perfect for airport/train station drop-off
❌ Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than train
- Must book in advance during weekends or holidays
✨ Want to make a day trip out of it? Book a Hue → Hai Van Pass → Da Nang scenic drive with Friends Travel Vietnam — fully customizable with optional stops.
5. Hai Van Pass: What Makes This Route Special
Whether you take the train or drive by car, the Hai Van Pass (Đèo Hải Vân) is the highlight of the journey between Hue and Da Nang.
🏞️ Why it’s famous:
- Known as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Southeast Asia
- Offers panoramic views of mountains, sea, and sky
- Historical military route with bunkers and viewpoints
- Featured on Top Gear and in many travel documentaries
📸 Must-see spots:
- Hai Van Gate (old French fortress)
- Lang Co Bay overlook
- Viewpoint at the top of the pass
- Lookout toward Da Nang Bay
📷 Our private car transfers with Friends Travel Vietnam include photo stops at all major viewpoints — no rush, just real views.
6. Bonus Option: Hue to Da Nang by Motorbike or Scooter
If you’re up for an adventure and confident on two wheels, renting a motorbike to ride over Hai Van Pass is a bucket-list experience.
✅ Pros:
- Ultimate freedom
- Stop wherever you like
- Breathtaking and immersive
❌ Cons:
- Not for beginners
- Weather-dependent
- Not ideal with luggage
📍 Route tip: Start in Hue, take coastal road through Lang Co, ride over Hai Van Pass into Da Nang.
🛵 Prefer to enjoy the same scenery without the stress of driving? Ask us about a private car + motorbike combo tour with driver support.
7. How to Book a Private Transfer with Friends Travel Vietnam
Booking a Hue to Da Nang private car is simple, fast, and secure with us:
🚗 What's included:
- Door-to-door pickup
- English-speaking driver upon request
- Flexible departure time
- Option to stop for photos, coffee, or Marble Mountains
💳 How to book:
- Visit: friendstravelvietnam.com/private-transfers
- Choose route “Hue to Da Nang”
- Select car size & optional stops
- Confirm via WhatsApp, email, or online booking
💡 No deposit required. Payment after the ride — simple and safe.
8. Travel Tips for This Route
🧳 Luggage:
- Sedan: 1–2 suitcases + backpacks
- SUV or van recommended for families or groups
🌤️ Weather:
- Dry season (Feb–Aug) = best visibility on Hai Van Pass
- Rainy season (Oct–Jan): consider the tunnel for safety
⏰ Best time to travel:
- Morning = cooler, fewer vehicles
- Golden hour = amazing views & soft light for photos
🚦 Avoid weekends/public holidays if possible — roads and trains may be busier.
9. FAQs About Hue–Da Nang Travel Options
10. Final Recommendation: Train vs. Car – What Should You Choose?
| Criteria | Take the Train | Book a Private Car |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Budget | Cheapest option | Mid-range, value-for-comfort |
| 🧭 Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Leave any time, go anywhere |
| 📷 Photo stops | Views from the window | Full stops at scenic points |
| 🧳 Luggage | Limited space | Spacious trunk, no crowd |
| 👨👩👧 Family travel | Not ideal for kids/luggage | Best for groups and families |
✨ Our Verdict:
- 🚆 Train is perfect for solo travelers or backpackers with time flexibility
- 🚗 Private car is ideal for comfort, control, and memorable stops — especially with luggage or tight schedules
🎯 Want a smooth, scenic, and safe transfer from Hue to Da Nang? Book your ride today with Friends Travel Vietnam — your trusted local travel partner.
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